Making the hefty trip all the way from the deepest, southern-most portion of Texas, the Team Derty-Dirty South Bats already has plenty invested in the TCSB Division I Championships.
So frustration levels threatened to spike for the team after Friday’s early 14-4 loss to the KC Clutch, forcing Team Derty into the loser’s bracket at the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex. But the parade of smart and capable athletes on the team’s roster marched to the plate and took care of West Coast Baseball (CA), 12-4, in a run-rule game that keeps Team Derty in the conversation. Next up is the KC Clutch again, with the teams meeting up at 8 a.m. Saturday. Even with leaving runners on at second and third in the first two innings, Team Derty converted enough of the other threats to claim a 7-1 edge after two frames. The squad scored four runs with two outs to finish the game in the fourth inning – Theron Michelis and George Ramirez each drove in two runs in the contest, and Cole Gerlach had three hits, three runs and three stolen bases. “We’re prepared to make a comeback run. We started off a little slow with the bats this morning, but we’ll be ready – we’ve been in these situations before,” said Team Derty coach Rick Romo. “The boys know how to handle pressure. They’ve been playing up in 12u all year, so we’re making the adjustment back to 11u.” Jon Romo had a run-scoring triple in the fourth, and Team Derty used five extra-base hits in four innings to take control. “You have to believe in yourself and know you can work through all this,” Gerlach said. “I just want to work hard, score as many runs as I can and play good defense.” “We’ll play hard, work through it and succeed,” Michelis said. “We should have been on top of it better that first game today, but it’s in the past. We’ll come back and get to the top. This is really fun, and I’m enjoying it a lot.” For West Coast Baseball, Adam Arth had a double, RBI and two runs, and Michael Fernandez added a hit, RBI and stolen base. The team will face Millard United Elite for seventh place in a game Saturday. Baseball is rooted in Omaha, NE, and no tournament solidifies all aspects of America’s Game like the Triple Crown Omaha SlumpBuster. From June 15-29, over 500 teams ages 9-14 and representing over 35 states across the nation, converge on one of the nation’s great Meccas of baseball.
“We are excited to be back in Omaha, Council Bluffs and surrounding areas for the 2017 Omaha SlumpBuster,” said Event Director Brandon Hardy. “It seems like every year the event continues to get bigger and better. Everything about the event is first class with unbelievable lodging partners, facilities, restaurants and of course the CWS.” Throughout the near half-month of youth baseball, each participating team once again is provided access to the College World Series® at the unequalled TD Ameritrade Park. Home to the Creighton Blue Jays and the Omaha Mammoth the majority of the year, the best at the collegiate level take residence at TD Ameritrade in late June. Entry into the SlumpBuster includes 20 general admission tickets to the CWS, allowing each youngster a peak at some of the stars of the college game. “For over 15 years we’ve enjoyed a successful partnership with Slumpbuster® and watched this tournament grow from 150 participating teams to more than 500 teams who now travel to Omaha from 37 different states,” said Mark Rath, CSEE, Visit Omaha Director of Sales. Of course, no SlumpBuster would be complete without the proud tradition of the exploding bats. Those attending session one and three will have their names and memories seared into the history of the tournament. For an even higher probability of ending a mid-season slump, the bat signing parties at Dave and Buster’s on June 15 for session one and June 23 for session three provide an excellent atmosphere for a night of family fun before game-play begins. Enjoy luxuries Triple Crown and Dave and Buster’s have put together including 14 feet projection televisions, a chef-crafted buffet, and $10 Power Card good for all their video games all in one package for just under $20. For just $5 more per person, you can upgrade to unlimited video game access. Festival Night (sessions one and three only) feature a giant slate of activities and fun for the whole family. Outside of championship Sunday, skills contests, vendors, food and pin-trading all make Festival Night a “can’t miss” opportunity for teams, coaches, parents and siblings alike. New to Festival Night in 2017, the Pro Player Workout hosted by Iowa Western Community College, brings an elite level of instruction to Council Bluffs. Marc Rardin has led the Reivers to three National Championships and a laundry list of outstanding accomplishments. In 2015 alone, Rardin produced three NJCAA All-Americans, five All-District performers, seven All-Region performers, and 12 NCAA Division I signees. Headed by Rardin, this workout is a perfect opportunity for any youngsters ages 13-14 to experience a workout at the pace of a college athlete. The workout will run 6-8:30 p.m. on fields seven and eight at both session one and three Festival Night. A keen eye might spot noted comedian Domingo Ayala roaming around the complex in Council Bluffs early and often. Ayala will make performances at both session one and three, each of which are worthy of everyone’s attendance. You never know what kind of laughable moments may occur with one of social media’s biggest stars. Back once again is Triple Crown’s second year format, the TCSB Division I Baseball Championships. Mimicking the format of the College World Series just miles away, the TCSB format elicited some of the most competitive games a year ago and is certain to bring the best teams from division 10u-14u toe-to-toe. From College World Series® experiences, to an unforgettable Festival Night, to a week of terrific baseball featuring a diverse field of teams, the Triple Crown SlumpBuster is a mainstay on any team’s calendar. Those that make the trek to the holy grail of youth baseball are never left empty handed in invaluable memories. For more information on the Omaha SlumpBuster visit www.triplecrownsports.com and follow the event on Twitter @TCSlumpbuster. |